Paul’s letter to the Colossians is one of thanksgiving. In chapter 1 he begins, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”1 He challenges the church to be strengthened by God’s power, “giving thanks to the Father,”2 because he has given us an inheritance—the kingdom of God. In chapter 2 he encourages them to “walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”3 Chapter 3 reminds us that as God’s chosen ones, we are to let the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. “And be thankful.”4 And we are also to let God’s word dwell in us richly, “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”5 But then everything we do should be done while “giving thanks to God the Father through him.”6 And finally in chapter 4, Paul tells us to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”7
To summarize: Because of our fellow believers and because of what we have been given, we are to be thankful. As we walk in Christ daily, we are to be thankful. Because Christ’s peace rules in our hearts, we are to be thankful. When we read God’s word, we are to be thankful. Actually, in everything we do, we are to be thankful.
Why? Because things could always be worse? Yes, but that’s not why. Because it’s best to look on the bright side? Yes, but that’s not why. Because it is physically and emotionally better for us if we are grateful? Yes, but that’s not why. Then why? Because if we are not giving thanks, then what are we doing? Probably grumbling. Or maybe just forgetting what we have received. And I’m not sure which is worse.
But what if we are not thankful for our current circumstances? Well, this is hard to hear but Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”8 But why? “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”8 We will not understand all the reasons why, but we know that God’s will for our lives will be done. Unless we stop it from being done! Wait! We can stop God’s will for our lives? Does that mean that we have more power than God does? No. It means if we do not want God’s will for our lives, he will not force it on us. He sometimes gives us what we want.
Frankly, we need to recognize that God will do whatever it takes for us to be in his will—except force us into it. So even though we may not like our current circumstances, we can trust God with our lives. Therefore, we need to learn to give thanks. Even when we don’t like what is happening. How do we do that? Here are a couple of ways: “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”9 And, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”10 And finally, “above all these put on love.”11 When we have a loving spirit, we have a thankful spirit. So, on this official day of thanksgiving, let’s remind others how much we love them. “And be thankful.”4
1Colossians 1:3 2Colossians 1:12 3Colossians 2:7 4Colossians 3:15 5Colossians 3:16 7Colossians 4:2 81 Thessalonians 5:18 9Colossians 3:2 10Colossians 3:12 11Colossians 3:14
